"As we begin the second quarter against the backdrop of a persistently challenging macro environment, the McDonald's System is aligned around executing our long-term strategies to drive sustained, profitable growth," said CEO Don Thompson.

Here's the regional breakdown:

U.S. up 0.7% (Est. down 0.05%)

Europe down 2.4% (Est. down 1.01%)

Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) down 2.9% (Est. down 1.44%)

"In April, APMEA's comparable sales declined 2.9%, reflecting the impact of Avian influenza, primarily in China, and softer results in Japan and Australia," wrote the company.